Opposition disrupts Kerala assembly for 2nd day over Sabarimala “gold theft” issue

The Congress-led UDF Opposition disrupted proceedings of the Kerala assembly for the second consecutive day on Tuesday, demanding the resignation of devaswom minister VN Vasavan over the alleged “gold theft” in Sabarimala Ayyappa temple.

As soon as the Question Hour commenced, the opposition members began to shout slogans and raised placards. Opposition leader VD Satheesan said that devaswom minister Vasavan should resign following revelations of alleged gold theft in Sabarimala temple.The ruling front members tried to counter the opposition demand, pointing out that the Kerala High Court has ordered a probe into the issue They accused the UDF of disrespecting the judiciary.

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Satheesan said the opposition is demanding the resignation of devaswom minister Vasavan and that the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) be dissolved. The TDB, he said, should not be allowed to continue as it compromised the sanctity of the Ayyappa temple and defrauded millions of devotees by selling the gold-plated Dwarapalaka sculptures at a high rate.

Though Speaker AN Shamseer attempted to proceed with the Question Hour, ignoring protests, he was forced to suspend it as UDF members shouted slogans, waved placards and raised banners.

Although the session resumed at 10 am, after the cancelled Question Hour ,the UDF MLAs continued their protests in the well of the House. Amid the chaos, the assembly passed five bills and adjourned the House for the day.